a special skill or talent for doing something easily and well, a clever way of doing something that is not obvious to everyone

have a knack for, knack of, lose one's knack

Formal and Informal Expressions of knack

In different contexts, you can replace 'knack' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'skill, talent' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'knack for something, knack of something' is a commonplace synonym.

knack: Explore its Definition & Usage

knack Definition

1a special skill or talent for doing something easily and well
2a clever way of doing something that is not obvious to everyone

Using knack: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "knack" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She has a knack for making people feel comfortable.
Example
He has a knack for fixing things around the house.
Example
The chef has a knack for creating unique flavor combinations.
Example
I don't have the knack for public speaking.

knack Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for knack

Antonyms for knack

Phrases with knack

have a knack for
to have a natural ability or talent for something
Example
She has a knack for playing the piano.
knack of
a clever or skillful way of doing something that is not obvious to everyone
Example
He has a knack of getting out of difficult situations.
lose one's knack
to lose one's ability or talent for doing something
Example
After not playing basketball for years, he lost his knack for shooting hoops.

Origins of knack

from Middle Low German 'knakken', meaning 'to crack'

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Summary: knack in Brief

The term 'knack' [næk] refers to a special skill or talent for doing something easily and well, or a clever way of doing something that is not obvious to everyone. It is often used in phrases like 'have a knack for' and 'knack of,' and can be lost through disuse, as in 'lose one's knack.'